Arriving at Suvarnabhumi Airport is always a wonderful experience for us. Despite jet lag and the long flight from New Zealand, we land full of energy and ready to jump into a taxi and head straight into the vibrant heart of Bangkok. It's a much better feeling than taking the single, depressing escalator upstairs after departure. We've never had any problems at passport control and have always enjoyed getting the 60-day stamp without any questions.

Cam recently learned that he and Kat can join the queue at Thai immigration, bypassing the tourist line entirely. It's more of an unofficial privilege than an official rule, but it's a nice perk to have when traveling with a Thai national. But that's beside the point. Thailand's new visa regulations—effective from September 15, 2026—will reduce visa-free stays to the standard 30 days. As a New Zealander, Cam is one of the 60 nationalities and territories whose citizens will be affected by these changes.

We were saddened by this news, but after some research, we're now confident it won't affect our plans for longer trips. We simply need to apply for the correct visa and extension (no big deal!), and then we can continue as usual. If you're worried about the new travel regulations for 2026, don't panic! Stay calm and read on – you'll see how easy it is to continue visiting this beautiful country.

The big cut: Thailand's new 30-day visa regulations

The first question is why Thailand made these changes. Essentially, it addresses a major problem: illegal immigrants overstaying their visas. This has been a significant issue in tourist centers like Phuket and Pattaya for years, so it's not surprising that stricter border controls were now being demanded. Most tourists would stay less than 30 days anyway, and only undocumented workers take full advantage of the 60-day limit.

The good news: Thailand wants (and needs) to continue tourism and is simplifying visa requirements for travelers. What does this mean for you? If you are from the USA, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Australia, China, Singapore, Japan, India, Russia, or many other countries, your visa-free entry period has been reduced from 60 to 30 days.

Only citizens of South Korea, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, and Peru can enter Thailand visa-free for longer than 30 days thanks to bilateral agreements. These fortunate passport holders are even allowed to stay for up to 90 days. Everyone else has to make do with about a month. But that's no cause for concern: Thailand is well worth a visit even for 30 days, and there are numerous options for extending your stay if you're planning a longer trip.

Read more: The best 7-day Thailand itinerary: Bangkok, beaches & more

Day trip from Phuket to Phang Nga Bay

How to travel around Thailand for 60 or 90 days

Sometimes a month is perfectly sufficient for Thailand – enough for a lovely beach holiday. But sometimes you have more time and want to go island hopping in the Andaman Sea, hike off the beaten track in Isaan, or simply relax in Bangkok. Whatever the reason, Thailand can be visited for two or three months using various strategies: visa-free stays, extensions within the country, e-visas before your trip, and the infamous border crossing.

Island hopping in the Andaman Sea

The 60-day option: The domestic extension

One of the easiest ways to obtain 60 days is to visit a local immigration office (easily found in Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai). You can extend your visa-free entry once for an additional 30 days by applying in person. You will typically need your passport and two passport photos, complete form TM.7, pay the fee of 1,900 THB, bring signed copies of the photo page and the entry stamp page of your passport, and (importantly) present a printed copy of your hotel registration slip TM30.

Alternatively, you can submit your documents online through VFS Global (an official partner of the Thai Immigration Bureau). After your application is approved, you schedule an appointment at a local immigration office. This way, you'll receive your extension stamp more quickly, instead of waiting in line for hours. Online extension is ideal if you live in a major city like Bangkok. However, if you're in a remote province or a quiet beach resort, applying in person with a paper application is the best option.

The 60-day option: Apply for an e-visa before your flight.

Many travelers are reluctant to spend a morning in an immigration building. If that's you, you can prepare everything before your trip by applying for an e-visa online. Simply visit the official Thai e-visa website, upload your documents, and have your visa approved. Be sure to print a copy of your approval email to show at the airport. Then you'll land in Bangkok with a clean 60-day stamp in your passport.

The 90-day option: Combining your e-visa with an extension

For a 90-day stay, you first apply for a 60-day e-visa before your trip and then extend it locally for another 30 days – it's that simple. The cost and procedure are exactly as described above: 1,900 THB and a visit to the local immigration office with all the necessary documents. This allows you to travel throughout Thailand for almost three months without having to cross a border or book a return flight.

What about border crossings or multiple entries per year?

Another option, popular with travelers for decades, is the classic border crossing: crossing the border overland into Laos, Cambodia, or Malaysia and returning immediately to obtain a new 30-day stamp. This is still possible in 2026, albeit with further restrictions: entry by land is limited to two border crossings per year. In the past, many people used border crossings to stay for years, either as long-term residents (without a visa) or for illegal employment.

Aside from that, you may be able to enter Thailand via international airports several times a year, as long as it's purely for tourism purposes. You could easily combine your trip to Thailand with a longer stay in Vietnam – something we've done and enjoyed in the past. The important thing is that your trip appears natural, and under no circumstances should you try to return to Bangkok on the same day. This could alert immigration officials to an obvious visa run.

What this means for your next trip

If you can skip the hassle of an e-visa or visa extension and are happy with 30 days, you can still experience a lot of the country. Your itinerary could, for example, include a week in Bangkok and Kanchanaburi, two weeks in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, and finally a week on Koh Chang and Koh Kood. Alternatively, you could focus entirely on the Gulf Islands. Sixty to ninety days are only necessary if you plan to explore larger parts of the country.

Please remember that you must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) within three days of your arrival. It's also advisable to book your onward flight before departure in case your airline requires the card for boarding. We know this all sounds a bit stressful, but we promise you, Thailand is worth it. There's simply no other country in the world that combines food, beaches, culture, and the friendliness of its people quite like the Land of Smiles.

Stricter rules for digital nomads (DTV visa)

Numerous changes have also been made to other visa categories, such as the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV). This visa allows digital nomads and remote workers to stay for up to five years (a maximum of 180 days at a time) with multiple entries. However, stricter controls will apply from 2026, including more stringent proof of residence and criminal record checks. Additionally, a loophole in the law regarding Thai language schools has been closed; these are no longer eligible for the DTV. If you are only visiting Thailand for vacation, however, this does not affect you.

Frequently asked questions about Thailand's new visa regulations

What happens if I overstay my 30-day visa?

Thailand may seem relaxed, but breaking the law can have serious consequences. An accidental overstay of a few days will likely not cause you much trouble, aside from a fine at the airport (500 THB per day). However, anyone who overstays their permitted stay by months without a valid reason risks a travel ban or, worse, arrest in public and immediate deportation. As in any country you visit, it is important to respect the laws and be grateful that you are allowed to visit.

Do I need travel insurance to enter the country visa-free?

Travel insurance is not legally required for entry into Thailand under the new visa exemption. However, we strongly recommend that you take out such insurance, especially for situations like scooter accidents or unexpected illnesses. If you are admitted to a public hospital, you will generally receive treatment, but you may not be released or have your passport returned until you pay. This can put a significant strain on your finances, even though medical care in Thailand is relatively inexpensive and effective.

Explore Kanchanaburi by motorbike

Is there an easy way to stay in Thailand long-term?

Thailand offers various long-term visas, including work, marriage, and residence visas. As you can imagine, you have to meet strict requirements and there's a lot of paperwork involved. The easiest way to secure a long-term stay with unlimited entry is the Thailand Privilege Visa. Although extremely expensive at 900,000 THB for a five-year Gold membership, it offers numerous benefits. It sounds fantastic and is something we would gladly pursue in the future if we had the financial means.